Our mothers always told us that it was rude to turn up at a party empty handed, and we hate the idea of being ungrateful guests. So if you’re invited to a dinner party or special event, make sure you take the time to pick out a suitable offering.

Wine is probably the most common gesture when you’re heading to a friend’s house, but if you want to make a lasting impression, or if you’re not in the mood for drinking, fresh-cut flowers make a great alternative that will make your host feel really pampered and bring a breath of fresh air into their home.

As flowers come in so many different varieties, you can also make sure you match them to your host's personality too. If they prefer the simpler things in life, go for a bunch of beautiful daisies or sunflowers. If you sense that pure luxury is more their style, pick up a dozen red roses for ultimate glamour.

For a gift that will last a little longer, a potted plant can also make a fantastic dinner party gift and can be gift-wrapped in the same way as a bunch of flowers to make a big impact when you first arrive. Plus, you’ll be leaving a gorgeous memory of your evening behind when you leave.

Of course, if you’re feeling generous, flowers and wine make the perfect compliments to each other. Waitrose offer a variety of combination gift sets, many of which even contain chocolate as well as beautiful flowers and a variety of wines and champagnes. Now that really is a dinner party gift your host will find it hard to forget!